San Marcos and Hays CISDs are updating their electronic device policies to fall in line with the new mandate.
The details
The new legislation, House Bill 1481, prohibits the use of personal communication devices, such as cellphones, during the school day. The school day is defined as the first to last bell of the instructional day, which includes lunch and passing periods.
Per the new policy, students can bring devices to school, but they must be powered off and stored away out of sight, or powered off in a teacher-provided storage area.
Prohibited devices include:
- Telephones
- Cellphones, such as smartphones or flip phones
- Earbuds and earphones
- Tables, personal laptops and computers
- Smartwatches
- Gaming devices
- Radio, texting and paging devices
- Smart glasses
- Any other electronic devices with communication capabilities
Parents or guardians who are trying to reach their students during the school day must contact the front office. Students can reach their guardians at the front office.
Exceptions can be made for students with documented need or specified accommodations, as listed in HB 1481.
Students in violation of the policy will face disciplinary actions determined by the districts.
View SMCISD’s new policy here or by visiting the district website at www.smcisd.net. View HCISD’s policy here or by visiting the district website at www.hayscisd.net.
